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Francois BozizePresident of the Central African Republic since March 15, 2003.
Date of Birth: 14.10.1946
Country:  CAR |
Content:
- Birth and Early Military Career
- Political Career Under Various Regimes
- Imprisonment and Rehabilitation (1989-1991)
- Opposition to Ange-Félix Patassé (1993-2001)
- Break with Patassé and Attempted Coup (2001-2002)
- Overthrow of Patassé and Rise to Power (2003)
- Constitutional Referendum and Presidential Election (2004-2005)
- Presidency (2005-Onward)
- Asylum for Jean-Bertrand Aristide (2004)
Birth and Early Military Career
François Bozizé was born in Mouila, Gabon, and received his military training at the military college in Bouar, Central African Republic. By 1975, he had risen to the rank of Captain. In 1978, he was appointed Brigadier General by Emperor Bokassa.
Political Career Under Various Regimes
David Dacko and André Kolingba (1979-1993)After Bokassa was overthrown by David Dacko in 1979, Bozizé served as Minister of Defense. Under General André Kolingba's rule from 1981 to 1993, Bozizé became Minister of Communication.
Imprisonment and Rehabilitation (1989-1991)
Bozizé was arrested and imprisoned in July 1989 for allegedly planning a coup. He was tortured but was acquitted and released in 1991.
Opposition to Ange-Félix Patassé (1993-2001)
Bozizé ran for president in 1993 but lost to Ange-Félix Patassé. He remained an ally of Patassé, helping him suppress army mutinies in 1996 and 1997. For these services, he was appointed Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces.
Break with Patassé and Attempted Coup (2001-2002)
Bozizé's loyalty was questioned after an attempted coup in May 2001. He was removed from his post as Chief of Staff and fled to Chad with 300 supporters. From Chad, Bozizé's forces raided CAR throughout 2002, culminating in an attempt to seize Bangui in October. Patassé repelled the attack with the help of Libyan soldiers and rebel fighters from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Overthrow of Patassé and Rise to Power (2003)
On March 15, 2003, Bozizé's forces successfully captured Bangui, forcing Patassé to flee. Bozizé suspended the constitution and declared a "transitional period."
Constitutional Referendum and Presidential Election (2004-2005)
In December 2004, a new constitution was approved by referendum, allowing Bozizé to run for president. He won the election in May 2005, defeating former Prime Minister Martin Ziguélé.
Presidency (2005-Onward)
Bozizé took office on June 11, 2005. His presidency was marked by efforts to stabilize the nation, including the disarmament of rebels and the promotion of economic development.
Asylum for Jean-Bertrand Aristide (2004)
In March 2004, Bozizé granted asylum to overthrown Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, but he later left CAR.
